Breaking Free

58.

Kierra, now nine months pregnant, rested her head on Tasha's shoulder while they watched TV. Her hands absentmindedly caressed her round belly, feeling their baby boy kick and shift. The nursery was ready, bags were packed for the hospital, and everything seemed in place for their little one's arrival. They'd been eagerly awaiting this moment, but they hadn't expected it to come tonight.

Kierra shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable when she felt a sudden, sharp twinge low in her belly. She grimaced but didn't think much of it—just another one of those Braxton Hicks contractions, or so she thought. But then, the pain intensified.

"Tasha..." Kierra's voice was shaky, her hand instinctively gripping her wife's arm. "I think something's happening."

Tasha immediately turned to Kierra, concern flooding her eyes. "What is it, babe? Are you okay?"

Kierra gasped as another wave of pain hit, this time stronger and more intense than before. She sat up, her hands clutching her belly. "I think...I think I'm in labor."

Tasha's eyes widened, her heart racing as she jumped to her feet. "Okay, okay, we've prepared for this," she said, trying to keep calm as her mind began to spin into action. "Are the contractions close together?"

Kierra winced again as another contraction hit. "It's happening fast," she panted, gripping Tasha's hand. "I think we need to go. Now."

Tasha nodded, quickly grabbing the hospital bags that had been waiting by the door for weeks. "Alright, let's go."

They hurried out of the house, Kierra breathing deeply through the contractions as Tasha helped her into the car. The drive to the hospital felt like a blur, with Kierra's contractions coming in quick succession. Tasha kept her eyes on the road, her hand reaching out to comfort Kierra when she could.

"We're almost there," Tasha reassured, her own heart racing as she pulled into the hospital's parking lot. "Just hold on, babe."

Within minutes, they were checked in, and Kierra was wheeled into the labor and delivery room. The pain was overwhelming, but Kierra focused on her breathing, trying to remain calm as the nurses prepared everything. Tasha stayed by her side, rubbing her back, whispering words of encouragement through each contraction.

Hours passed, and the labor dragged on. Kierra had been pushing for what felt like an eternity, and exhaustion was starting to overtake her. Sweat dripped from her forehead, her grip on Tasha's hand tightening as another wave of pain surged through her.

"You're doing so good, baby," Tasha whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "He's almost here. Just a little more."

Kierra groaned, her body trembling with effort, but she knew she couldn't stop now. She had to see her son. Summoning every ounce of strength she had left, she gave one final, powerful push.

And then, suddenly, there was a cry. The sweetest sound they had ever heard.

The doctor gently lifted their baby boy, announcing, "He's here! You did it, Kierra."

Tears welled in Kierra's eyes as the tiny, squirming bundle was placed on her chest. Tasha's breath caught in her throat, her hand shaking as she reached out to touch their baby's soft, wrinkled skin. Both of them were overwhelmed with emotion, speechless as they stared down at their son.

"He's perfect," Kierra whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Look at him, Tasha."

Tasha nodded, her own tears falling freely as she leaned down, kissing Kierra's forehead and then their son's tiny hand. "He's beautiful," she whispered, her voice breaking. "You did so amazing, babe. He's perfect."